Balotelli injury concern for Azzurri

Posted Sunday, June 17, 2012 by ESPN

Mario Balotelli has offered Italy an untimely injury headache after limping out of training on Saturday with a knee problem.

The Manchester City striker now faces a race against time to prove his fitness before the Azzurri take in their final Group C clash against the Republic of Ireland on Monday.

Balotelli is due to be assessed by Italy's medical team on Sunday before a decision is taken regarding his possible involvement against the Irish.

The fiery frontman has started both of Italy's Euro 2012 games so far, against Spain and Croatia.

Both of those games ended 1-1, but Balotelli failed to make it through the full 90 minutes of either.

He saw his replacement Antonio Di Natale net a crucial goal against Spain, and there are calls for coach Cesare Prandelli to start the Udinese striker against Ireland.

Such calls are understandable, with Balotelli having scored just once in 10 international appearances.

Italy will be looking for goals on Monday, as they know they must beat Ireland to stand any chance of making the quarter-finals.